I often like to remind myself that: “I may have diabetes, but diabetes doesn’t have me.”

Thirteen years ago, I was your average nine year old: very active, bubbly, and a “go-with-the-flow” kind of attitude. It was May of 2001, and I was in third grade nearing the end of the school year, when one day I passed out. I still remember this day pretty clearly as well as the sequence of events that followed. It was a Friday, and over that weekend my mom noticed I was drinking a lot more water than usual, and using the bathroom a lot more too. By the time Monday rolled around, she took me to my pediatrician which they quickly recognized my symptoms, ran a single test, and determined that I had type I diabetes (T1D) and needed to go to Children’s Hospital in DC immediately. I remember my very first blood sugar in the hospital read 486 mg/dl. With my parents scared and worried next to me, I just remember being told that I had diabetes now, and my response was, “Okay…now what?” From that day on, I quickly got into my own routine that worked for me and to this day, I still have the same positive outlook. I continued to live my life, just in a different way.

I am 22 years old now, and I’ve lived in Montgomery County, Maryland my entire life. I just graduated from Frostburg State University (Allegany County, Maryland) on May 22 this year! I received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology, a minor in Sociology, and a Child & Family Counseling Emphasis. I was very involved and was presented with so many great opportunities during my time at FSU, especially through my sorority, Alpha Sigma Tau.

My very first experience with JDRF was at the time of my diagnosis in the hospital. I remember constantly being woken up for blood sugar checks at all times of the day and night, and I remember each time, making sure that my soft teddy bear with the JDRF t-shirt on it was still in my arms through it all. After that, I became involved with JDRF as a walker for the DC Walk to Cure Diabetes the following year in 2002 and have been a yearly walker ever since. I loved the idea of being involved with an organization fighting to cure the same disease that I deal with on a daily basis. Ever since my first walk experience, I was hooked! I looked forward to walk day every single year as if it were a major holiday. The atmosphere of being around other kids and people like you was extremely comforting and very encouraging; giving the “you are not alone” feeling.

Words of encouragement to someone who does not have a direct type-1 connection to volunteer with JDRF: “be a hero for someone with T1D.” Every ounce of effort, every dollar, every pat on the back, and every smile at JDRF events can have a huge impact on someone living with T1D and become one step closer to there being type NONE diabetes!

Words of encouragement to someone with a connection to T1D to volunteer with JDRF: You will never feel a closer connection with others going through the same thing as you than through events with JDRF. Being JDRF’s DC Special Events Intern, this is my first time “on the other side” of JDRF and volunteering with them. I absolutely love every moment and experience that I am given through this opportunity. Being able to help this incredible cause through volunteering is such a rewarding and awesome feeling. My favorite part about volunteering above all else has been being able to interact with other people and their families, and hearing their stories and experiences with T1D. There is truly no greater feeling than knowing you are making your own impact towards a cure for yourself and fellow type-1 diabetics! I know that a world without diabetes will soon be a reality.